Yoni's Big Half Marathon In Memory of Andy Sarsby 2.0

On 7th September 2025, a week after my 34th birthday, I'll be running my second half marathon in a just over year in memory of my dear friend Andy Sarsby for The Andy Sarsby Foundation.

The foundation was created in loving memory of Andy Sarsby, an incredible, inspirational and charitable person who was constantly seeking ways to help those in need.

Andy was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2019 at the age of 27 and tragically passed in December 2019 leaving a remarkable and powerful legacy that led to the creation of this charity - the more I sit with it the younger it seems.

Andy was known as an absolute top lad with a very quick sense of humour and absolute charm, I learned so much from him. He lived life to the max, constantly saw the positives in scenarios and always looked for ways to help others. By day he was a talented and popular hairdresser, but in his free time, he set up a charity called Hair Unite, ran the London Marathon for charity, cut hair for the homeless community and always managed to put a smile on the faces of people who were struggling, all whilst supporting the insane Watford FC. We also chilled the hell out, went away on holidays together, laughed constantly in each others company, and played countless hours of Fifa till the sun rose or one of us admitted the other one was better [we rarely agreed on that]

He lit up every room he walked in. Even throughout the 6 months of Andy being in hospital, he would make you feel so welcome as if it was his own place hosting you. Making us all feel as normal as you could. Never giving you a moment not to believe in him. He knew every staff member like they were his pals and family members, and if they hadn't been charmed before you bet they had been after they met him. We shared some deeply personal moments before and during his treatment that I feel lucky enough to have experienced with him, I will cherish for the rest of my life.

The Andy Sarsby Foundation aims to support the causes that Andy believed in and wanted to support, hospitals and the homeless.

I'm very proud and grateful to support the charity and raise funds for them. The Charity has already done SO much:

• Provided services to cancer patients to bring some level of normality to their lives,
• Funded exercise bikes for Cancer patients to aid their recovery and reduce muscle loss during their treatment - supported by clinicians and research
• Funded VR goggle for patients to act as a distraction during painful procedures and have a bit of fun in the wards
• Provided Tablets for patients so they can remain connected to their loved ones and lives during their treatment.
• They have supported other homelessness charities to access vital essentials such as toothpaste and deodorant etc at trade prices so that donations go further than ever and help more people.
• They work with hospitals nationwide and provide lollipops for cancer patients to remove the awful taste of treatment
• Provided haircuts and other treatments for the homeless so they can regain their confidence

If you made it this far, thank you. I raised an unbelievable amount of £2,283 for the charity last year and if I raise anything close this time I will be eternally grateful. Feel free to donate whatever you can afford if at all possible. Come and join me on Sunday morning at 8:30am in between Tower Hill and Shadwell or at the finish line in Greenwich. I would love to see you there!

Also one big thank you to everyone keeping Andy's name alive running the foundation events and raising money. To Priya Halai, Sam Kutner, Billy Goldsmith and Dan Mason, my main run partners, as well as Run club host Zak at Vertex 33 who have allowed me a space to run at the Big Half this year who are doing unbelievable work with the run community in Stratford.

My Strava says I completed it in 1h 48m 31s last time. My legs are currently aching after a few intense weeks of training so wish me luck!

Sending you and yours love and positive energy, always <3